In brief
Barack Obama has publicly decried the federal investigation into Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar, labeling it “so appalling” and accusing it of being a vendetta for her outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump. The probe, carried out by Homeland Security and the Justice Department, centers on questions about Omar’s American citizenship, including the date she allegedly became a naturalized citizen after her father’s naturalisation when she was 17. Obama warns that if this case sets a precedent, future presidents could repeat the tactic against political adversaries. The White House maintains the inquiry is law‑enforcement focused, but critics argue the raid on Omar’s Washington home and seizure of her belongings violates protections for lawmakers.
Former President Barack Obama took to X to condemn the federal government’s investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar, calling the probe “so appalling” and accusing it of being a weaponized tool against a law‑enforced official who has publicly criticized President Donald Trump.
The investigation, led by Homeland Security and the Justice Department, was launched after agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., home and seized her phone, laptops, notebooks and passport. Media reports say the focus is on whether Omar’s American citizenship was obtained through her father’s naturalisation when she was 17, a claim that, if proven false, could trigger a denaturalisation proceeding.
Obama warned that the case could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations to target political opponents. He added that the “Administration is actively trying to deport congresswoman Omar…based solely on the unsubstantiated theory that she was actually 18 when her father was naturalised.”
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis denied a political motive, stating the Department of Justice is “focused on restoring law and order.” She said the investigation is not “weaponised” against political foes, contrasting Trump’s own claims of politically motivated investigations during his campaign.
Omar, born in Somalia and immigrated to the U.S. as a child, has risen to prominence as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee before being removed in 2023 for remarks about Israel. She maintains the probe is a continuation of Trump’s “campaign of political intimidation.”
The raid sparked bipartisan controversy, with Democrats accusing Trump of attempting to impede the legislative branch and Republicans arguing Omar should be treated like any other citizen under the law. Omar’s legal team has demanded the return of her seized property, citing a judge‑issued protective order for her official work as a federal lawmaker.
